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AJ Bell Money & Markets

AJ Bell Money & Markets

409 episodes — Page 5 of 9

Ep 209IMF worries and Terry Smith’s musings

On this episode of the Money and Markets podcast one of the most popular investors active today, Terry Smith, is here to talk about Fundsmith Equity Fund and he’s got some choice words to say about two of his holdings. Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson mull over the IMF’s gloomy forecast for the UK economy and canter through some of the companies reporting earnings including McDonalds, Exxon and Intel. Laith Khalaf updates us on UK government plans to regulate the "crypto-verse" and with the success of auto-enrolment resulting in many people having multiple pension pots, AJ Bell’s Head of Policy Development Rachel Vahey discusses the possibility that the DWP will bring back the pot follows member model.

Feb 3, 202358 min

Ep 208Soaring Government debt, Netflix update, and how to find an index

On this episode of Money and Markets we have Shares deputy editor Tom Sieber with all the markets news, from Netflix to Primark, as well as an update on the US. And he’ll also be responding to a listener question about indices, for those passive investors among you. Laura Suter is delving into the latest Government debt figures, looking for whether they give an indicator as to whether we’re headed for a recession or not, and she’s also explaining the new scheme where you can save money by using less energy. Dan Coatsworth brings us an interview with fund manager Ron Temple, talking about UK interest rates and corporate earnings.

Jan 26, 202330 min

Ep 207Inflation cools, over 50s head back to work and the FTSE flirts with a new record high

On this week’s money and markets podcast Danni Hewson and AJ Bell’s head of retirement policy Tom Selby mull over the latest UK inflation numbers and discuss jobs data which shows more over 50s are heading back into the work place flagging a big issue about pensions. The FTSE 100 continues to flirt with the record books – nudging close to but not quite hitting a new high as UK retailers like Tesco, Currys and WH Smith deliver on the upside. But it’s not all been good news with profits at big US investment banks Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley among those taking a big hit with deals down and millions being set aside as recession beckons. Dan Coatsworth has been chatting to Mark Slater from the Slater Growth Fund about the rebound in UK stocks and how 2022 was one of his hardest ever years as a growth investor. And with the reopening of China partly behind the New Year rally, Danni’s been chatting to Ewan Markson Brown, manager of the Crux China Fund, about where he sees the opportunities for investors.

Jan 20, 202357 min

Ep 206Christmas trading, Amazon job cuts and why Terry Smith is still disgruntled with Unilever

One this week’s Money and Markets podcast Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson dig into Christmas Trading numbers with updates from Sainsbury, JD Sports, Barratt Homes and Direct Line on menu they discuss what those results can tell you about the outlook for 2023. British firms worry about rising energy costs as the government announces that support is changing. Amazon looks to cut costs by closing three UK warehouses plus the latest on reports Goldman Sachs is about to axe thousands of jobs. Plus Terry Smith’s latest missive which shows he’s still got a bone to pick with Unilever and we hear from Richard Shepard-Cross from Custodian Property Income REIT about where he sees value in the market.

Jan 12, 202348 min

Ep 205How personal finance studies could work alongside Rishi Sunak’s maths push, retail sector analysis and Fundsmith’s bad year

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wants all pupils in the UK to study maths up to the age of 18. Laura Suter explores how making personal finance studies more prominent on the curriculum as part of this maths push would yield significant benefits to individuals later in life. Dan Coatsworth explains why Apple and Tesla shares have dragged down the US market so far in 2023 and he also debates what might be in store from the plethora of trading updates due from the retail sector. Discover why Fundsmith Equity Fund had its first year of negative returns since launch and why manager Terry Smith is not abiding by the fund’s ‘do nothing’ principle. Tom Selby discusses the rules around recycling money back into a pension, while Laura explains why anyone looking for top-paying cash savings deals should act quickly before rates fall. Dan also talks to Ed Smith, co-chief investment officer at Rathbone Investment Management, about solving the problem of slowing productivity.

Jan 6, 202333 min

Ep 204Fund manager picks and the year in review

On this year’s last episode of the money and markets podcast Dan Coatsworth, Danni Hewson, Laura Suter and Laith Khalaf share their thoughts about the year’s pivotal moments from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to “Trussonomics” and why mega caps like Amazon and Apple have lost you money this year. They also discuss the latest inflation figures on both sides of the Atlantic, assess how markets have reacted plus how a winter of strike action in the UK is affecting companies like Moonpig and discuss the latest trading updates from Frasers Group, Zara owner Inditex and the world’s biggest holiday company TUI. With 2023 hurtling towards us we hear from a host of fund managers about their picks for the new year, plus Laith digs into AJ Bell’s latest manager vs machine data and finds that the year’s volatility has actually put the machine in front. And Laura talks interest rate rises and the scammers out to get you this Christmas.

Dec 16, 202249 min

Ep 203Your rights for train delays and cancellations, state pension review and CEO secrets

If your train journey has been disrupted by strikes, don’t miss this week’s podcast where Laura Suter will be talking about what rights you have regarding refunds and compensation. Dan Coatsworth looks at the best and worst performing stock markets around the world in 2022. He also discusses what some of the pub companies have been saying about trading amid the World Cup. Tom Selby considers what might happen to the state pension and when people will be able to get it in the future. And the BBC’s Dougal Shaw talks to Danni Hewson about what makes a good company boss.

Dec 8, 202235 min

Ep 202Bumper fund manager interviews, strikes, British Steel and...it’s coming home?

This week Danni and Laura have got a bumper interviews episode, with lots of great fund managers on to talk about the year that's (almost) passed and the year ahead. Amid signs that inflation could be near its peak, Dan Coatsworth has been asking Lazard fund manager Steve Wreford, about whether investors need to worry about it next year and why high inflation could stay on the agenda for longer than you might think. In markets this week we look at why protests in China have caused markets to wobble, the latest strike action and the impact on companies, and Elon Musk's latest spat. We look at whether the excitement around England reaching the next stage will translate to business for pubs. And we've got a bit of pensions news, as the regulator has made a big announcement about British Steel Pensioners. Dan also chats to Alex Wright from Fidelity Special Values investment trust about his outlook for 2023 and why NatWest sits pride of place in his investment portfolio. And he caught up with Kirsty Desson from abrdn’s Global Smaller Companies Fund about how she’s coped with a difficult year for small caps. Finally, Laura has also been crunching some numbers on the ridiculous situations where you end up paying 99% tax -- or even more -- when you get a payrise.

Dec 2, 202242 min

Ep 201Nick Train on another challenging year for Finsbury Growth & Income, thoughts on Unilever’s CEO departure and why he remains optimistic

In a special bonus edition of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, Dan Coatsworth talks to Nick Train about how his Finsbury Growth & Income Trust has fared in 2022. Nick discusses performance, companies with pricing power, his thoughts on Alan Jope planning to step down as Unilever chief executive, and why Relx remains a big holding for his portfolio. The fund manager also talks about opportunities with Burberry, how much growth you might expect from his portfolio holdings, and whether he’s made new positions following this year’s market sell-off or simply topped up existing holdings.

Nov 29, 202228 min

Ep 200Outlook for tech stocks, we grill the boss of NS&I, and reasons to be positive on bonds

It’s our 200th episode of the Money and Markets podcast. To celebrate we have three special guests talking about things that really matter to savers and investors. Laura Suter chats to NS&I chief executive Ian Ackerley about premium bonds and savings rates. Dan Coatsworth talks to Polar Capital Technology Trust manager Ben Rogoff about the change in fortunes for tech stocks. Dan asks Ben whether it is time for the Faangs to be relegated and a new group of tech stocks to lead the pack. They also talk about opportunities in the sector following widespread share price declines. Artemis fund manager Rebecca Young explains why investors with a 60/40 equity/bond portfolio shouldn’t panic about the bond component failing to provide support this year. Laith Khalaf looks at the latest activities among equities, currencies and government bonds, while Dan explains why the potential sale of Manchester United football club matters to investors, and why Disney has brought back its old chief executive.

Nov 24, 202252 min

Ep 199How the Autumn Statement affects you and your money, and does Black Friday matter anymore?

Laith Khalaf and Tom Selby debate the forthcoming changes to taxes and allowances following the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement. They explain what the changes mean, and which ones are the most significant. Dan Coatsworth and Laura Suter discuss the relevance of Black Friday, whether retailers will enjoy a bumper sales period, and what to think about if you’re trying to cut back on your spending but want to take advantage of discounts in the shops. Dan explains why stock markets have perked up in recent weeks, and he also talks to Fay Ren from the Cerno Pacific Fund about why companies with rich intellectual property can be attractive investments.

Nov 18, 202250 min

Ep 198Inflation takes a bite out of retail, Bill Ackman and tech layoffs

Laura and Danni have two interviews this week. The first is with bond fund manager veteran John Pattullo, from Janus Henderson Investors, who will be talking us through how he has navigated the recent market turmoil. And in the second interview Dan Coatsworth catches up with billionaire investor Bill Ackman from Pershing Square Holdings to talk about whether he’s worried about a recession and why he sold out of Netflix and Domino’s Pizza so quickly. Also this week we’ll be looking at the nation’s financial resilience in the current cost of living crisis, as new data reveals 1 in 4 people have less than £100 in savings, as well as talking about that tricky task that everyone puts off: writing a will. And in the market update we’ll cover layoffs at Meta and Twitter, Primark’s decision not to raise prices and the cracks showing in the UK housing market.

Nov 11, 202241 min

Ep 197Windfall taxes and rate rises

On this week’s Money and Markets podcast, Danni Hewson and AJ Bell’s head of Investment Analysis Laith Khalaf mull over those all important interest rate decisions in the US and UK plus renewed calls for additional windfall taxes on Energy companies after BP and Shell announce more bumper profits. They also discuss those government energy payments which should have found their way into your hands and explain what you should do if you’ve not received yours. The deal’s finally done Elon Musk is the head tweet – but what does it mean for the social media platform and what does it mean for Tesla shareholders? With more lockdowns affecting companies like Apple, Disney and Nio in China I’ve caught up with Catherine Yeung investment director at Fidelity about whether there’s anything to speculation that the zero covid policy might be relaxed and what investors should be thinking about when it comes to Chinese companies right now. And what’s up with retail – with pandemic darling Made.com shuffling towards administration and Morrisons planning to ditch over a hundred of the McColl’s stores it only bought in the spring it’s looking like being a very difficult Christmas for the sector.

Nov 3, 202256 min

Ep 196Rishi’s market bounce, Made.com collapse, bumper US earnings and bond fund explainer

This week Tom Sieber is going to be looking at whether markets were buoyed by the news of yet another Prime Minister opening their moving boxes at Number 10, and Laura Suter will delve into what the new PM might mean for your money. We have the usual market update, including the potential collapse of online furniture retailer Made.com and the latest antics of Mike Ashley. On top of that, we’ve got Ian Conway from Shares magazine giving an update on a bumper US earnings season, with 45% of the S&P 500 reporting this week. Ryan Hughes from the AJ Bell investment team joins us to answer a listener question on the current bond market turmoil. And finally, we have some alarming news for those people who like to hoard their stamps.

Oct 28, 202229 min

Ep 195What the mini-Budget U-turns mean for your money, markets and pensions

This week we’ve gathered a team of experts to comb through all of the Government’s U-turns and work out what they mean for your money. Laura Suter looks at the income tax reversal and the Energy Price Guarantee, while Laith Khalaf has the details on dividend tax changes that never materialised. Tom Sieber gives us the market reaction to the news, including whether those crucial Gilt yields stabilised, while Tom Selby details the impact on the pensions landscape and that all-important triple lock. The team also debate what is coming down the pipeline from the current Government and the remaining thorny issues the new Chancellor has to wrangle.

Oct 19, 202226 min

Ep 194The safety of pensions, top tips for mortgages and the big stories on the stock market

With all the headlines that have made people worried about their pension we’ve drafted in AJ Bell’s head of retirement policy Tom Selby to talk through it and explain exactly what it means for you. Laura Suter talks to broker David Hollingworth from L&C on what’s happening in the housing market and what you should do if you are in the process of moving or re-mortgaging. Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson discuss the economic volatility surrounding the Bank of England’s bond buying programme. Markets have had plenty to keep them scrambling this year and as we head into earnings season, Danni caught up with Duncan MacInnes at Ruffer, Olivia Geldenhuys at Schroders and Andrew Surrey at Vanguard to ask what they make of 2022 so far. Dan and Danni also pick over the good the bad and the downright ugly from this week’s market movements including why the FTSE 100 has finally succumbed to the malaise that’s been present in most other indices already this year, and why shares in renewable energy-related companies and investment trusts including SSE have been falling. The pair look at some big market moves which have ruffled the semiconductor companies globally and Danni finds a few bright spots with positive updates from Pepsi, Hollywood Bowl and packaging group DS Smith.

Oct 14, 202255 min

Ep 193Learning from the 1970s, and why stocks, the pound and mortgage and savings rates are going up

Dan Coatsworth talks to Alec Cutler, manager of the Orbis Global Balanced Fund, about the similarities between the 1970s and today (inflation, high energy prices, difficult markets), and what investors might need to do next. Hear from Dan and Laura Suter about why share prices and the pound suddenly perked up, what to expect if you’re getting a new mortgage, and where to find the top savings rates on cash accounts. Discover why shares in Tesla took a pounding, and why Drax is losing ESG fans fast after a damning TV programme about where it sources material to make wood pellets. Hear about the challenges facing Tesco, Greggs and Tortilla Mexican Grill, and Dan talks to stock trader Michael Taylor about why shares in Naked Wines have fallen 90% in 12 months. Finally, Laura has some wise words on how to avoid pension scams.

Oct 6, 202244 min

Ep 192How the falling pound, rising gilt yields and higher interest rates affect consumers and businesses

Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson explore the impact of more weakness in the pound, rising government bond yields and further hikes in interest rates on consumers and businesses in the months ahead. They explore the fierce market reaction to the UK Government’s mini-Budget, why the Bank of England has stepped in to stop gilt yields getting worse, and why the IMF is not best pleased at Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng’s policy decisions. Dan explores the large number of chief executives who have quit FTSE 100 companies this year. And this week’s guest is Joe Bauernfreund who runs the AVI Japan Opportunity Trust. He talks about investing in Japan and how he takes an activist approach as a fund manager.

Sep 28, 202257 min

Ep 191Profit warnings flash red and markets brace for further rate hikes

On this week’s Money and Markets podcast Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson discuss the barrage of bad news that’s been troubling markets even before US and UK central banks hiked rates. Profit warnings have been coming in thick and fast including Hilton Foods, The Hut Group, DFS and the biggie – bellwether stock FedEx, so what can investors expect as we head into another earnings season? They explore the good news for UK businesses that’s come in the form of the government’s six-month energy price cap out today plus they ask if travel stocks have finally turned a corner after an upbeat update from TUI. With one of the most pressing issues being discussed in boardrooms today being how to save money, Dan catches up with Jonathan Maxwell, the manager of the SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust. He runs an investment trust that puts money into projects that not only save companies a few quid, but also help the environment. With leaks about the new chancellors “mini-budget” coming in thick and fast, Danni looks at the boost house builders like Persimmon and Redrow have been getting from speculation that there could be intervention on stamp duty. And as one of the city’s most controversial characters backing away from the board of Frasers Group, Danni and Dan discuss the career and legacy of Sports Direct Founder Mike Ashley.

Sep 22, 202241 min

Ep 190Inflation, savings tax trap, Fundsmith fund closure and the great un-retirement

This week we look at the latest inflation update and how markets reacted to that surprise dip, and preview next week’s big economic announcements. We also cover the news that renowned investor Terry Smith is closing the emerging markets fund he launched eight years ago. Tom Selby is on to talk about the great ‘un-retirement’ of over-65s returning to work after the exodus during covid. And Dan Coatsworth talks to Morgane Delledonne from Global X on ways to invest in cybersecurity, as more companies look to protect themselves from hacking. Elsewhere, with savers finally getting a better return on their money, Laura Suter has some news for people who want to save in a green way. But she also shares a warning: that the extra interest savers are earning might come with an unexpected tax hit.

Sep 16, 202237 min

Ep 189Scottish Mortgage fund manager grilled, investors react to new UK Prime Minister, and FTSE 100 stocks with best dividend yields

The podcast returns from the summer break with special guest Lawrence Burns, deputy manager of Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust. He reveals to Danni Hewson the lessons learned from previous experiences in China, why Moderna has become a big portfolio holding, and his views on the current state of the market. Dan Coatsworth runs through the market reaction to Liz Truss becoming UK Prime Minister and why retail stocks enjoyed a big bounce on the day. He also explains why one investment bank says H&M could be a big loser in a recession and why JD Sports could be a winner. Best buy cash savings accounts are now offering interest rates comparable to the yield on the FTSE 100 stock index, meaning investors might start to look more closely at shares offering above-average yields. Steve Frazer chats about the top yielding stocks on the UK market, why some of their income streams are unsustainable, while Dan runs through the golden rules to follow with dividends. Danni has a great story about how it might be cheaper to go on a cruise than stay at home. She also has some good news for anyone who lives in a more remote location that lacks banking facilities.

Sep 9, 202247 min

Ep 188BP, buybacks, banking results, bumper borrowing and big recession worries

This week we’re delving into those BP results that have caused so much debate. Plus Russ Mould joins us to look at share buybacks and dividends across the FTSE 100, as the oil giant announced another round of buybacks and a hike to its dividend. Also this week, Laith Khalaf studies the figures from UK banks in the face of the cost of living crisis, following a wave of second-quarter results in the sector. Which leads us neatly onto some startling new data Laura Suter has about how households are coping financially with the cost of living crisis. We also look at the risk of recession in the US, after data showed the economy has shrunk again. Elsewhere, we’re talking about a big change the regulator has made to the way financial services work in the UK, with our pensions and regulation guru Tom Selby on to discuss what that means for investors. And just a note that after this episode, the podcast will be on summer break until September. So we’ll see you in a month!

Aug 3, 202234 min

Ep 187Earnings season winners and losers, bond market struggles, and how man stacks up against machine when picking investments

On this week’s Money and Markets podcast, Laura Suter and Danni Hewson discuss earnings season as it kicks into high gear. They sift through winners including McDonalds, Coca Cola and Unilever, and losers including Walmart – whose profit warning sent a shock through the US and UK retail sector. They also look at upcoming rate rises, which are forming an important backdrop to inflation-wary company outlooks. Also this week, Ryan Hughes from AJ Bell’s investment team takes a look at why bond markets haven’t been performing well. Bonds aren’t necessarily the sexiest corner of investing – but with predictions of a potential recession mounting, and markets becoming more volatile, people might be seeking more safe-haven assets. Elsewhere, Laith Khalaf, our head of investment analysis, digs into an age-old question. During tricky market times is it better to invest with a human fund manager who makes stock picks for you, or a tracker that rides the market’s ups and downs? Finally, Dan Coatsworth meets up with Jeremy Rogers from the Schroder BSC Social Impact Trust, set up two years ago with the goal of helping society and making money for investors. He asks where the trust is deploying its money, and what investors might expect from it in the future.

Jul 28, 202240 min

Ep 186It’s all about inflation as UK CPI hits another 40-year high

On this week’s Money and Markets, Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson brave the heat not only of the UK weather, but UK inflation too. With CPI coming in over expectation at 9.4%, they sum up how markets are reacting, and discuss where interest rates could sit by the end of the year. With rising costs causing issues for companies, they also dig into a new report showing a 66% increase in profit warnings from UK listed companies in the first half of 2022 – including Direct Line and Made.com. Earnings season is in full swing, and inflation’s colouring everything from the big GSK spin-off Haleon to another dip in subscriber numbers for Netflix – though with its fall smaller than expected, investors were pleasantly surprised. Also, employee pay is the only game in town – with warnings that a summer of discontent is on the cards, as more unions ballot on strike action. Plus, commercial property is meant to be one of the ultimate inflation-protected investments – meaning lots of investors might be thinking about diving into the market at the moment. Laura caught up with Roger Clarke, from property stock exchange IPSX, to see how the market has rebounded post pandemic and whether that inflation-protection is going to hold true in the coming year.

Jul 21, 202249 min

Ep 185Best deals on cash, how Ruffer protected investors’ money and cracks in the inflation story

Potential returns on cash savings accounts are now much more interesting, so don’t miss this episode of the Money & Markets podcast to find out the best deals around. Dan Coatsworth talks to Duncan MacInnes about how Ruffer Investment Company not only bucked the negative market trend in the first half of 2022 but also generated positive returns for investors. MacInnes explains why he believes the bear market isn’t over yet and how gold is an ‘unreliable girlfriend’. Discover why falling commodity prices could mark the turning point in the inflation story, and how shares in the big mining companies have lost all the gains made earlier this year. Rising energy costs are changing the way we spend money, and Laura Suter looks at the latest spending habits and what might come next.

Jul 14, 202241 min

Ep 184What’s hitting the new Chancellor’s to-do list, UK growth fears, pound falls and outlook for UK banks

This week Laura Suter and Danni Hewson bring you an update on the economic fallout from this week’s turmoil in Westminster, looking at various warnings from the Bank of England and the pound’s fall. We delve into what the new Chancellor might tackle in his economic update next week, after Nadhim Zahawi committed himself as a tax cutting chancellor. In the markets news we’ve got the latest updates and rows from supermarkets, some positive news from food delivery companies JustEat and Grubhub and an update on US/China tariff war. And Dan Coatsworth has been chatting to fund manager Laura Foll, who helps run Lowland, Henderson Opportunities Trust and Law Debenture investment trusts, all about the outlook for UK banks, which are much loved by many investors.

Jul 7, 202238 min

Ep 183Miners, defence stocks and the return of the pension triple lock

On this week’s Money & Markets podcast Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson take a look at what has been another bumpy week for markets with a commodities rally not able to deliver the big market comeback some investors had been rather hoping for. They look at what’s behind the defence stock bounce, boosting the likes of BAE Systems and Rolls Royce and how utility companies like SSE have responded to Ofgem’s new distribution price control proposals. Plus, Dan is chatting to the Fund manager of Odyssean, one of the few investment trusts not to have lost a lot of money this year, and on the menu are Chemring, Videndum, Stabilus and Spire Healthcare. There is also a new boss for Whitbread, and we discuss why the battle for high street chemist Boots ended with it being taken off the market by US owner WBA, for now. With a drop in scratch card sales, we also look at why the government’s green savings bond has flopped and Tom Selby brings us up to date on plans for the pension triple lock.

Jun 30, 202245 min

Ep 182Money budgeting tools, why takeovers aren’t always good news, and important things to consider before drawing on your pension

This week’s podcast has plenty of useful tips for managing your money, as well as important insight into what’s happening on stock markets and with cryptocurrencies. Dan Coatsworth explains why Primark’s click and collect trial is important news for anyone owning shares in Associated British Foods. He also explores the latest wave of takeovers on the UK stock market and why they aren’t necessarily reasons to be cheerful. Dan also reveals why one fund manager thinks now’s the time to sell shares in oil producer Shell. Also, Laura Suter explains the latest developments in the buy now, pay later space, and discusses some of the most useful budgeting tools to help get your finances in shape. Finally, Tom Selby is on the show to discuss the key points someone in their mid-60s should consider before dipping into their pension

Jun 23, 202227 min

Ep 181Ahead of the Fed

On this week’s money and markets podcast Danni Hewson and Tom Sieber from Shares magazine discuss market jitters ahead of the Fed’s latest rate rise. Plus big questions for the bank of England to process as job vacancies continue to soar and inflation takes a chunk out of wage growth. Tom Selby AJ Bell’s head of retirement policy looks at the impact the global meltdown’s having on pensions and how soaring inflation combined with market falls risk having dramatic impact on the retirement prospects of savers in drawdown. Dan Coatsworth has been talking to Ayush Abhijeet who helps to manage the Ashoka India investment trust about what patient investors can get out of India and sticking with global markets Danni and Tom discuss why Netflix has pinned its hopes on a Squid Games reality show and how a Korean boyband made Asian markets tremble. All that and a mad money story with Jenny Owen about a late library fee that’s topped six thousand pounds.

Jun 17, 202245 min

Ep 180Jubilees, confidence votes and airport chaos

On this week’s Money and Markets, Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson canter through the market movements over the last week – which, despite being shorter thanks to the Jubilee bank holiday, was no less eventual. They look at market reaction to all the political intrigue at Westminster, and assess how the travel sector is faring after disappointment and disarray at UK airports over the half-term break. There’s been another flurry of merger and acquisition activity – from the bid for bin business Biffa, to disappointment for Ted Baker after its preferred bidder walked away. Dan digs into Apple’s moves to enter the buy now pay later space, and Danni has yet another Twitter update, with Elon Musk indicating he’s serious about walking away from the deal. Also, Laura Suter’s finds out when you should get a will and how to go about it, chatting with partner at Taylor Bracewell solicitors, Lauren Smith, about why so many people put it off. And as the price of filling up the tank of a family car surges past £100 for the first time, we talk petrol prices and why so many landlords are leaving the private rental market.

Jun 9, 202242 min

Ep 179Markets rebound, warnings over plummeting pound, and how to pick a financial adviser

This week Laith Khalaf brings us some big markets news including the markets rebounding (much to the relief of investors), warnings about the pound’s decline, and an update on how energy firms handled that windfall tax announcement last week. Laura Suter is back, and delves into data on whether low-cost food has faced bigger price hikes during the cost of living crisis. She also chats to a financial adviser, Peter Chadborn of Plan Money, to help you understand when you might want to use one and the sort of questions you should be asking. And in this week’s investment interview, Tom Sieber chats to Duncan Ball, co-chief executive of BBGI Global Infrastructure. Infrastructure is highly prized for its inflation-protected income at the moment, and they chat about how that affects the fund’s portfolio.

May 31, 202240 min

Ep 178Energy price cap, Snap’s warning, retailers dodging inflation worries and Amazon’s hit to the property market

This week, Laura Suter brings us the latest energy price cap news, with an explanation of what’s going to happen in the coming months. She also has a guide to how to squeeze the most out of your credit cards, and some good news for Premium Bond holders. Danni Hewson is here with all the markets news, including Snap’s profit warning, the impact of lifting tariffs in China as it emerges from lockdown, and the latest on those suggestions of a windfall tax. We’re dabbling in football this week, too, with news on the Chelsea takeover, and Danni will be looking at the latest retail figures. We also have pensions guru Tom Selby back with Pensions Corner, looking at the rules around auto-enrolment and how much you should actually be paying in. And Tom Sieber has an interview with property investment company Industrials REIT, following Amazon’s comments that it’s no longer chasing physical space.

May 26, 202236 min

Ep 177It’s all about inflation as the UK rate hits a 40-year high

On this week’s Money and Markets podcast, Danni Hewson is joined by Tom Sieber from Shares Magazine to look at what’s behind April’s huge price increases and how markets have been reacting. With high costs taking centre stage in earnings reports, Tom picks through updates – including from Mr Kipling maker Premier Foods, and US retail giant Walmart. Markets are going through a very difficult patch, and Dan Coatsworth picks the brains of someone who’s been through bad times as well as the good – James de Uphaugh from Liontrust Asset Management. He gives his insights into what investors should be thinking about right now. Though inflation is dominating sentiment, there’s plenty of other news moving markets this week. Danni and Tom look at the reaction to China’s announcement that Shanghai might soon end its lockdown, as well as a meeting between China’s Vice Premier and tech execs which seems to herald the end of the tech crackdown. With an eye on future returns, we also ask David Jane from Premier Miton about the trends he thinks will be important longer term. Plus, we’ve got the latest Twitter twist, plans to change how often the price cap is fixed, a massive upheaval in the crypto-verse, and Jenny Owen shares a mad money story about a charity donation of £100 that turned into £140,000.

May 19, 202247 min

Ep 176Global stocks have worst day in nearly two years, outlook for residential property market, and understanding broker ratings

Dan Coatsworth explains why stocks and shares continue to have a bad time and what might happen next. He also chats about takeover activity in the tobacco and property space, and why e-commerce companies have something to worry about. The UK continues to be fascinated by property prices, and we may now be at a turning point after several years of soaring activity. Laura Suter talks to Guy Harrington from property loan group GlenHawk about what he’s seeing in the market. And if you’ve ever wondered how analysts come up with buy, hold or sell ratings and how they create share price targets, don’t miss this episode, as Dan explains how it all works. Laura also has some important information on scams which featured in the Queens Speech.

May 12, 202232 min

Ep 175Rate hikes for all, Amazon impact, bank account bonuses and energy company drama

On this week’s podcast, the big theme is rate hikes – in the UK, the US, and Australia. Danni Hewson also runs through all the markets news, including the impact Amazon’s results had on the US markets, and those calls for a windfall tax on the oil companies. Sticking with the energy company theme, Laura Suter delves into rumours of suppliers hiking direct debits by more than is fair – and tells you what to do if you’ve been a victim. And she’s starting her mini-series on how to get the most from your bank, kicking off with the best bank accounts for perks. If that wasn’t enough, Tom Sieber interviews Jupiter Green trust – an environmental solutions-focused fund – about greenwashing and the impact of the Ukraine conflict on global net zero ambitions.

May 5, 202253 min

Ep 174Twitter, tech and outlook warnings

On this week’s Money & Markets, Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson pull apart Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover plans. We look into his plans to pay for the platform, what he wants to do with it, and shareholder concern that Musk may be forced to sell some of his stake to finance his new venture. And looking over the first updates from ‘MAMAA’ stocks, we find it’s a mixed bag, with a sting in the outlook. With markets volatile over concern about more China lockdowns, Dan discusses investing in Asia. He casts his eye over Vietnam Holding – the fourth-best performing investment trust of all geographies, sectors and styles in 2021. And he gets the lowdown from Craig Martin, chairman of Dynam Capital, which makes all the portfolio decisions from the Trust. Also this week: Tom Selby hosts pensions corner – about the state pension, and when and how you qualify for pension credit. Plus, with another survey showing people are cutting back on their personal spend, should we actually be bullish about the retail sector long term?

Apr 29, 202249 min

Ep 173AJ Bell’s plans to make investing a Dodl, Netflix’s big problems, pros and cons of share buybacks, and exploring the world of private equity

Laura Suter talks to Emma Keywood about why AJ Bell has launched a new investment app called Dodl and how it might help people getting started with stocks and funds. Dan Coatsworth debates the problems facing Netflix and what it needs to do next. He also chats to Steven Tredget from Oakley Capital about the world of private equity and why more people are interested in this part of the investment universe. Laura gives some money-saving tips for travel fans, while AJ Bell’s Russ Mould joins the show to talk about the pros and cons of share buybacks.

Apr 21, 202245 min

Ep 172Inflation hits another high, retail reaction to rising prices, and spotting small company gems

On this week’s podcast we’ve got the latest inflation data, with Laura and Danni explaining what it means for us all. We also look at how companies are handling rising prices, from Tesco’s aisles to Asos’s online orders. Danni has the latest on another U-turn in the Elon Musk Twitter saga, and we check in on how the Easter travel chaos is panning out. We’ve also got two fund manager interviews for you. First, Danni chats to infrastructure investments specialist Giles Frost, at International Public Partnerships Infrastructure investment trust, about how his sector could be ideal in a high inflation world. And Dan talks to small companies pro Paul Marriage, from Tellworth, about how to spot the next big thing. Finally, Jenny Owen discusses people getting chips under their skin so they can pay for goods in shops using just their hands.

Apr 13, 202247 min

Ep 171Musk moves on Twitter, timing the market, and could bitcoin ever rival gold as a safe haven?

On this week’s Money & Markets podcast, Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson discuss Elon Musk’s newly acquired stake in Twitter and whether his appointment to the board will result in more changes than just an edit button. Dan digs into Moonpig’s uplift to its revenue outlook and Danni wonders who might be in the market for occasion wear retailer Ted Baker. The team also discuss the week’s volatility, with markets spooked by more Russia sanctions being on the table, and comments from Fed chair Lael Brainard that stronger action might be needed to curb US inflation. Laura Suter chats to Simon Stickney from Collidr about whether you can ever actually time the market, and we hear from Adrian Ash from BullionVault about whether gold is still the go-to safe haven, or if investors are looking at Bitcoin as an alternative. And on the subject of gold, Jenny Owen tells us how the Royal Mint’s looking to turn your old phone into the shiny stuff.

Apr 8, 202250 min

Ep 170Markets bounce on peace talks, bumper savings rate launches, and the real cost of those tax cuts

This week, Laith Khalaf brings us the latest markets news, including markets bouncing on potential Ukraine peace talks and Barclays taking a £450m hit to profits. Laith and Laura Suter also crunch the numbers on how much Rishi Sunak’s tax changes are actually going to cost you over the next few years. We also discuss Neil Woodford’s former protégé Mark Barnett making a return to fund management, after a year out. And Laura looks at a new savings account that actually pays an interest rate above 1% – but there’s a catch. Also on this episode, Dan Coatsworth has an interview about how the energy price cap and Russia/Ukraine crisis has impacted the energy industry. And finally, Laura and Tom Selby have a Lifetime ISA special, answering all of your questions about the end of the tax year.

Apr 1, 202254 min

Ep 169What the Spring Statement means for your finances, expert tax tips, and London’s fight to attract more companies to its stock market

Danni Hewson and Dan Coatsworth give their reactions to Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement, including the potential winners and losers from his announcement. Consumers, pensioners and businesses are all affected. Dan has good news for investors who remained patient throughout the recent global stock market sell-off, while Laura Suter gets some tips from RSM tax director Kate Aitchison on understanding HMRC’s tax rules and where people often get caught out. And Neil Shah from Edison Research is on the podcast to talk about the challenges facing London as the preferred destination for companies floating on the stock market.

Mar 23, 202240 min

Ep 168War and covid unsettle markets plus your ISA questions answered

On this week’s Money & Markets podcast, Danni Hewson is joined by Tom Sieber from Shares to discuss another volatile week for markets – facing not just the situation in Ukraine but another Covid lockdown in China. Tom explains the moves made by the Chinese government after shares tumbled in response, and Danni examines what’s going on with the oil price as various governments seek to shore up security of supply. As fuel prices rise at the pump, many motorists might be thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle. The boss of one charging company has suggested the switch will bring about the end of petrol stations as we know them. To find out more about the opportunities this may bring, Danni catches up with Andrew Jones, CEO of London Metric Property PLC, which is taking major steps forward when it comes to installing charging points on their properties, particularly their retail parks. And as the new tax year rushes towards us, our Head of Personal Finance Laura Suter and AJ Bell YouInvest’s pensions and savings expert Charlene Young get together to answer all of your ISA questions.

Mar 18, 202239 min

Ep 167How the war in Ukraine could impact UK household finances, companies halting business in Russia, and everything you need to know about the metaverse

This week’s podcast explores how the latest events in Ukraine have moved global stock markets and how the war will have a big impact on the cost of living in the UK. Dan Coatsworth chats about some of the companies on the UK market which you might not realise have exposure to Russia. And Danni Hewson also talks to Neil Shah from Edison Research about companies severing ties with Russia. The podcast also explores the metaverse – Dan interviews Zehrid Osmani about this buzzword and how he's playing the theme via the Martin Currie Global Portfolio Trust. Finally, Laura Suter chats about Post Office accounts and how to beat forthcoming changes to dividend tax.

Mar 11, 202246 min

Ep 166Markets react to Ukraine invasion

On this week’s Money and Markets podcast, Danni Hewson looks at how markets have reacted to the invasion of Ukraine, as company after company severs ties with Russia and sanctions begin to take effect. Laith Khalaf focuses on the suspension of many Russian-exposed funds and what that means if you’re invested, and he’s also been tracking the surge in value of crypto currency, plus calls for a ban on Russian transactions. With stock market volatility making some people nervous about their pensions, Tom Selby chats through what those ups and downs might really mean for the average pension holder, and he also answers another pensions’ corner question from a listener who spent a number of years living and working in Ukraine and wonders if that time might count towards their UK state pension. Plus, Dan Coatsworth has been talking to Chris McVey from Octopus Multi Cap UK Income fund, the best-performing UK equity income fund over the last three years. Chris explains why they’ve got a real bias towards small and mid-cap stocks. And with so much desperately awful news around, we’ve got Jenny Owen to bring us a touch of light relief at the end of the pod with a potted history of Cadbury’s Freddo Frog and its changing price tag.

Mar 3, 202246 min

Ep 165Investors focus on Ukraine

On Money and Markets this week Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson assess what the situation in Ukraine could mean for markets, from soaring oil to falling share prices – as investors figure out which sectors stand to lose from increased sanctions. We also assess the latest financial updates from UK banks, and Dan chats to Neil Shelton from GXO – a huge name in global logistics – about all those supply chain issues we’ve heard so much about. You’ll learn how can you make money from music if you’re not a talented musician, as Paul Flood from Newton Investment management joins Danni to talk streaming and where investors can find opportunities. We also look at why house prices have jumped by the biggest amount in over 20 years despite rising interest rates. And Laura Suter catches up with Stephen Holiday, the boss of financial app Level, who thinks your employer might be able to help you with your saving goals.

Feb 24, 202253 min

Ep 164Fund manager stock ideas for an inflationary world, environmental tracker funds and big changes to UK stamps

Dan Coatsworth talks to Ken Wotton, manager of the Gresham House UK Multi Cap Income Fund about two companies which he believes could help consumers deal with inflationary pressures – Moneysupermarket.com and B&M. Laura Suter looks at the latest UK figures on the cost of living, and she explains why anyone who has been hoarding stamps for future use will need pay a visit to the Post Office to exchange them for new bar-coded ones. Get the latest update on global markets, with Dan looking at the impact of tensions between Russia and Ukraine on stocks and shares, the latest numbers from Airbnb, and a warning from Heineken about pushing up prices. Chris Mellor from Invesco explains how investors can access environmental themes using tracker funds, and Laura looks at UK green bonds where rates have become more generous. Finally, Dan talks with Simon Collins from Konexo about the rise of Dear CEO letters in the banking and insurance space, and why they are important.

Feb 18, 202241 min

Ep 163Energy company windfalls, how to solve rising mortgage costs, holiday joy and a strange retail tie-up

On this week’s podcast, Laura Suter and Danni Hewson look at the energy market, where massive profits for big firms contrast uncomfortably with the nation’s steeply increasing gas and electricity bills. We also discuss the risk of Meta brands Facebook and Instagram disappearing from Europe, and holiday chat makes a long-awaited return as the travel markets heats up again. Elsewhere, Dan Coatsworth chats to Artemis Positive Future, a new fund that’s been caught up in the recent market sell-off. And Laura speaks to mortgage guru David Hollingworth about what last week’s interest rate rise means for homeowners.

Feb 10, 202247 min

Ep 162Alphabet’s split, Rio Tinto’s incendiary report and round the world ends in Asia

On this week’s money and markets podcast Danni Hewson is joined by Tom Sieber from shares magazine to discuss what was almost the worst January ever for the tech heavy Nasdaq. Whilst many tech mega caps have fallen foul of market volatility Alphabet’s managed to escape largely unscathed after a seriously upbeat trading statement and the announcement of a 20:1 stock split that could make the tech giant’s shares affordable for retail investors. Mining giant Rio Tinto gave a master class in delivering bad news, Danni and Tom discuss how the report into toxic working practices was received by investors and how other miners might use it as a blueprint for delivering change as more focus is placed on ESG. Dan Coatsworth delivers our final round the world master class chatting to the manager of the Crux Asia ex-Japan Fund Ewan Markson Brown about the opportunities in Asia. Tom Selby tackles the thorny issue of how to find missing pensions and if you should consolidate them once you’ve tracked them down, plus Laith Khalaf and AJ Bell’s Chief Investment Officer Kevin Doran about the future of Bitcoin and other crypto currencies.

Feb 4, 202244 min

Ep 161What the great rotation in markets means for Scottish Mortgage and Fundsmith, and a surprising first-time buyer boom

This week’s Money & Markets looks at the big rotation that’s happening in markets, as the tech giants fall out of favour and banking stocks are back in vogue. We talk to AJ Bell’s Ryan Hughes about what this means for big funds like Scottish Mortgage and Fundsmith, and how investors should react. We also hear from Temple Bar’s Ian Lance about the stocks that have been benefitting from this switch. Dan Coatsworth and Tom Sieber are back with the European edition of their Round the World investing series, talking to Sam Morse from Fidelity about the region’s prospects. Elsewhere Laura Suter looks at some surprising figures on how many first-time buyers have been getting on the property ladder. And the team have a very exciting announcement and competition for the listeners. So make sure you don’t miss that.

Jan 28, 202242 min

Ep 160Inflation soars, takeover deals galore and the latest crypto crackdown

Inflation is dominating the headlines, so this week Laura Suter and Danni Hewson look at what the latest figures tell us and how they match up with wage figures. We also delve into the markets – this week saw deals galore, featuring the likes of Microsoft, Unilever and Boots. Pensions guru Tom Selby sifts through the latest pension announcements, including plans to make us all get more help deciphering pensions, and the eye-watering tax bills many pensioners are facing. Also this week, Dan Coatsworth and Tom Sieber are back with our Round the World investing series. This time they stay closer to home and look at the UK – speaking to NinetyOne fund manager Simon Glazier to get his hot tips on the market. And Jenny Owen is back to tell us what the nation’s ideal job looks like, and we also look at the latest crackdown on the cryptocurrency market.

Jan 20, 202243 min